
Athlon XP 2800+
AMD
PassMark
380
MSRP
$375
AVG Price
$35
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Athlon XP 2800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Barton (2001−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.25 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: A. Thermal design power (TDP): 74 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 380 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon XP 2800+ is positioned at rank #1125 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon XP 2800+
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon XP 2800+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon XP 2800+ specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon XP 2800+ is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Barton (2001−2004) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.25 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512K of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 380, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 250, while multi-core reaches 250.
| Specification | Athlon XP 2800+ |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 1C / 1T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.25 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Barton (2001−2004) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 130 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 101 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 63 million |
| 64-bit Support | No |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 380 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 250 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 250 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon XP 2800+ fits into the A socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage.
| Specification | Athlon XP 2800+ |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | A |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 1.1 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 0 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR-333 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 2 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 1 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | KT400,nForce2 Ultra 400 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon XP 2800+ is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: None — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Athlon XP 2800+ |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Legacy Desktop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | None |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon XP 2800+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 74 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Air Cooler.
| Specification | Athlon XP 2800+ |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 74 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Stock |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Air Cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $375), the Athlon XP 2800+ delivers 11 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1125 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3573 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon XP 2800+ |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $375 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $35 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #1125 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3573 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2001 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
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